Supermotard or naked for commuting?

[khabel]

I'm looking at getting something more practical for commuting and was firmly set on getting a 2014 Kawasaki Z1000, that was until I took a Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 for a test ride.

Its was my first time riding a motard and I had a stupid smile on my face once I had finished the ride, the same smile I got when I first rode my 1198s and my ZX14 before that.

The Z1000 didn't give me that feeling but it is a very good and sensible bike.

How suitable are motards for commuting and what are the maintenance costs of Aprilia's like?

[mulletman]

They are terrible on gas, a friend of mine has one , might get 150kms and light comes on , PC and custom tune may help.
Im guessing 6000km oil and filter normal stuff.
Cant see a why a Motard would be bad for commuting be kinda fun same like the Dorsoduro.

[baffa]

Would've thought the Z1000 would be a laugh to ride.
I have a predator, and with some loud pipes and renthal motorcross bars it's great fun.

[Gremlin]

The dorsoduro isn't really a motard in the strictest sense. Motards are normally single cylinder thumpers, wire wheels etc. Dorsoduro and it's ilk are capitalising on the market.

Big difference between a 400-600cc motard (and maintenance by hours) vs a 1200cc twin cylinder with xxxx km services in weight, power and well, pretty much everything.

However, I wouldn't be happy enough with Aprilias support to use it as a commuter. Expensive parts/servicing, slow supply of parts if not in NZ etc. They are definitely more weekend toys than daily commuters.

[Latte]

The dorsoduro isn't really a motard in the strictest sense. Motards are normally single cylinder thumpers, wire wheels etc. Dorsoduro and it's ilk are capitalising on the market.

Big difference between a 400-600cc motard (and maintenance by hours) vs a 1200cc twin cylinder with xxxx km services in weight, power and well, pretty much everything.

However, I wouldn't be happy enough with Aprilias support to use it as a commuter. Expensive parts/servicing, slow supply of parts if not in NZ etc. They are definitely more weekend toys than daily commuters.

I commuted on an RSV for years , agree on the local distributor support. Buy one out of warranty and get your parts from AF1 and they're no worse than any other marque. Any decent mechanic can work on them , or even a ham fisted hammer wielder like me.

Really depends how you're wired, but I get bored , almost depressed riding a sensible bike, even to work. Commuting is the best place for a "fun" bike... puts you in a good mood for work ! If you're not bound by a budget for running costs then pick a bike that you'll look forward to riding. Nothing like getting out of a stressful day at work and jumping on a bike that makes you giggle.

Go get a 1290r, use it to get the milk.

[TheDemonLord]

I commute on my 'busa

It gives me a happy on the way to work

[khabel]

I test rode a 1290r and wasn't all that impressed and I used my zx14 for commuting and it was fine just not very nimble

[Oakie]

Naked commuting always works for me...

[Latte]

My eyes.... it burrrrrnnnsssssssss.

[mossy1200]

I test rode a 1290r and wasn't all that impressed and I used my zx14 for commuting and it was fine just not very nimble

Plus 1.
I was wondering if they had put it on rain mode. I just couldn't feel the claimed 180hp.
It would labour in 5th at 100 also plus 1st was very low geared. Seemed like it was needing 2/3/4th gear only.
Before the ride very keen. After I couldn't stop thinking about how much it was going to cost to upgrade to it.

[AllanB]

How far are you riding? If not too far I'd consider a work bike (maybe a scooter) and spend the serious coin on a bike you desire for weekend FUN

[FlangMasterJ]

Motard. Always the motard.

[Ocean1]

Plus 1.
I was wondering if they had put it on rain mode. I just couldn't feel the claimed 180hp.
It would labour in 5th at 100 also plus 1st was very low geared. Seemed like it was needing 2/3/4th gear only.
Before the ride very keen. After I couldn't stop thinking about how much it was going to cost to upgrade to it.

If it wasn't lifting the front wheel in 4th on a dry day there was something wrong with it, I cruise at 100k in 6th and don't usually bother changing down to overtake.

1st is a bit silly low though, only good for navigating around gas stations.

Motards are great commuters, especially when there's curbs and stuff in the way. Supermotards less so, you don't need the power and the weight is a negative for borderline hooliganism. A 690SM would be about it I think.

[rastuscat]

Adventure bikes make good commuters as they are more flickable than large road bikes.

Unless ya learn to flick yer large road bike properly.

[baffa]

Unless ya learn to flick yer large road bike properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9MVY8swO5M